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Chapter 2 - The Broken Judgement

High above the mortal world, the Judgment Palace glowed with divine light. The elders of heaven gathered before a vast mirror that revealed all beneath the skies.

The elders were chosen as a judges to Shi Nian's tribulations.

An elder in cyan robes looked at the Shi Nian within the mirror. "Indeed, she carries the Supreme Ruler's bloodline. Even stripped of her divine power, her aura has not faded."

A white-robed elder nodded solemnly. "Yes. After sealing her memories and casting her down from heaven, this seventh life will be her last tribulation. If she fails, her soul will scatter forever."

Whispers rose through the hall—some with pity, others with fear.

"Such a pity," someone murmured. "The Supreme Ruler banished his only daughter because of the prophecy. To send her to the mortal realm, bearing that mark—how cruel."

The hall fell silent.

"Who dares speak such blasphemy?" an elder thundered. "To question the Supreme Ruler's judgment—is this rebellion?"

The servants dropped to their knees, faces pressed to the ground. The weight of divine pressure filled the air until the cyan-robed elder stepped forward.

"Elder, calm your mind," he said softly. "Let the servants go."

The furious elder waved a hand, and the pressure lifted. The servants fled like released prisoners, leaving only silence behind.

They turned back to the mirror—but something was wrong.

The light flickered. A tremor ran through the hall. Then, without warning, the mirror cracked—a sharp sound like thunder. The celestial artifact, forged before time itself, shattered into pieces.

The elders rose in alarm.

"The mirror—!"

"It's impossible!"

"Someone, report to the Supreme Ruler!"

"The demons—are they here?"

The Judgment Palace erupted in chaos. The mirror had not just shown visions; it had been alive—a sentient artifact with the strength of an elder. For it to shatter meant something beyond their control had struck.

Far below, Shi Nian knew nothing of the chaos unfolding in the heavens.

She lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. "It's been half a day," she murmured. "Why hasn't mom and dad checked on me?"

She sat up slowly, glancing around. Something felt off.

Her eyes swept across the unfamiliar furniture, the polished vanity, the strange scent in the air. A sense of unease gripped her instantly.

She ran to the mirror and froze.

The reflection staring back wasn't hers.

The features were close—similar enough to fool anyone else—but Shi Nian, who had lived six lives, could see it immediately.

"This face… isn't mine."

Her fingers trembled as she touched her cheek. For the first time, true fear crept into her heart.

"What is happening this time?"

"What's wrong?" Before she could delve further into her thoughts, Shi Nian heard a sharp voice at the door.

She calmed herself and replied, "Nothing. Who is there?" But no answer came.

Moments later, she heard footsteps moving away. Extending her divine sense, she caught sight of a young maid in uniform just a few steps from her door.

Shi Nian scanned her surroundings, ensuring she was safe—and alone. The room held no trace of her family.

Just what is going on in this lifetime? Suddenly reincarnating in a different body, inability to cultivate, and my parents too.

In every past incarnation she was reborn to a certain point in time.

Unable to sit still, she opened the door to explore. Since her divine sense was still weak, she couldn't cover a wide range. She needed to see things for herself.

Outside, a staircase descended into a quiet hall. Shi Nian glanced down at her hands, observing the body she now inhabited—young, around twenty-two. She searched for lingering memories but found none.

Fate, don't tell me you had a hand in this again. She clenched her fists. You've pursued me for so many lifetimes. Will you never let me go?

She exhaled, then muttered, "At least maybe my parents are spared this time." A dry laugh escaped her lips.

She walked through the mansion, her footsteps echoing faintly. "Is anyone here?" she called out. No response.

Before she could question further, a deep, furious voice rang out.

"Shi Nian! How did you get out? Are you mad? Who opened the doors? Where are the maids?"

A gentle, coaxing tone followed.

"Dad, don't yell. Anger isn't good for your health. Maybe sister Nian came out accidentally, right, sister Nian?"

Shi Nian looked at the girl, about her age, who winked at her as if to say play along.

Which white lotus is this? Outwardly, she only smiled faintly.

"So this body also carries my name," she noted silently.

Just then, the maid she'd seen earlier appeared.

"Master, young mistress—you're back," she greeted politely, bowing her head. Her gaze completely skipped over Shi Nian.

Neither of the two seemed to notice or care, but Shi Nian caught the faint smirk that played on the young girl's lips. Shi Nian smiled back—a calm, sharp smile that made the girl quickly look away.

The middle-aged man turned his anger on Shi Nian.

"You lone star! You harmed your parents and now the company! Why did you come out? Didn't you promise to live in solitude and repent for your sins?"

A sharp pain struck Shi Nian's head. Memories she didn't recognize surged in, flashing too fast to process. She staggered, clutching her chest.

Through the chaos, the truth emerged—the man was Shi Wang, her father's younger brother, and the girl was Shi Ning, his daughter.

Shi Nian steadied herself, forcing her voice firm.

"What lone star? You harmed my parents and blamed me for it. You had me locked up for months."

Her gaze hardened.

"Why are you here? It can't be that you need my help to speak with the company shareholders or my parents' confidantes demand my presence? Shi Wang, I warn you, if you dare to harm the company my parents worked hard to build, I'll ruin you." Shi Nian pressed on her heart as she tried to stabilize her breath.

Fury flared in Shi Nian's chest, although the memories were fragmented she wouldn't stand still if anyone dared to touch her parents!

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